Reports of violence against children in Armenia are becoming more frequent. However, state institutions responsible for child protection often learn about such cases from the media — when it is already too late.
Why is the social protection system failing? Who is responsible for ignoring such cases and failing to prevent them?
Why the system fails to protect children
According to child protection expert Anna Safaryan, Armenia has a three-level child protection system. Its first and most important link is the guardianship and trusteeship bodies.
“This system was originally designed so that its members would be part of the community, stay close to families, understand their problems, and respond quickly,” she explains.
However, in reality, the situation is different. Even when they are close to families, problems are often not recorded or properly addressed.
Non-professional decisions and consequences
One of the key issues, according to Safaryan, is the lack of professional expertise. Members of these commissions are often not specialists and work on a voluntary basis.
“People join these commissions without proper qualifications and receive no compensation, yet they make decisions that directly affect children’s lives and health,” she says.
Despite numerous training programs, the system continues to face serious shortcomings.
“In many cases, even when all facts are presented, including the police position, guardianship bodies may reach completely opposite conclusions,” she adds.
When staying in the family becomes dangerous
The expert also highlights the extreme interpretation of deinstitutionalization policies.
“Priority is given to keeping the child in the biological family, without properly assessing the child’s best interests. As a result, children may remain in unsafe environments,” Safaryan explains.
At the same time, Armenia already has alternative care mechanisms that allow temporary removal of children from families when necessary.
“In some cases, a child must be temporarily removed until proper work is done with the family,” she stresses.
The “culture of silence” in small communities
According to the expert, close social ties in small communities often prevent effective intervention.
“People avoid involvement because they know each other and don’t want to cause harm. This approach must be eliminated,” she says.
She emphasizes that if parents cannot ensure a child’s safety, that responsibility fully shifts to the state.
Violence is everyone’s responsibility
Safaryan notes that the issue is not limited to a single institution. Violence against children is a systemic problem.
“Professionals must continuously improve their skills and be properly resourced. But this is not the responsibility of one body. It is the responsibility of the entire system and society,” she says.
She also stresses that indifference is unacceptable.
“If you witness violence, especially against a child, you cannot assume it is someone else’s responsibility,” she adds.
Oversight must be continuous
The expert highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of at-risk families.
“Work with such families must be continuous. In some cases, even daily. One or two visits per year are not enough,” she explains.
Safaryan also emphasizes the need for clear accountability mechanisms.
“If there is a failure, there must be clear responsibility,” she states.
At the same time, she acknowledges that there are effective professionals in the system who prevent tragedies.
However, the presence of irresponsible actors requires stricter measures.
She concludes that even a few cases of real accountability could significantly improve the system’s overall effectiveness.